I am a cheerleader and I'm going on accutane soon and we are constantly in the sun. How can I protect my skin?

Question

So I'm going on accutane in about 3-4 days and summer is in 2 months. We have practice 4 days a week in the middle of the day and we are almost always in the sun and I don't burn that easily but it will be worse on this drug and when it comes time to football season it's 2 hours in the sun and even when I use sunscreen I still get burnt any ideas or advice you can give me for practice or games in the sun? Thank you! And how possible is it too tan?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Accutane is a go-to medication for patients with recalcitrant cystic acne. It can reduce pore size and also reduce sebum production in your skin, making it less oily; and in turn, dryer. Accutane can be used to control acne, but patients receiving the medication should be carefully monitored. In terms of skincare, always wear an appropriate sunscreen and reduce direct sun exposure. In my patients, I recommend a good ceramide moisturizer such as Elevase whenever they are on Accutane. This will keep the skin hydrated and reduce the oiliness of the skin that is associated with oil-based moisturizers.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Mariusz Sapijaszko, MD, FRCPC · Answer

Sun protection is a must when being treated with accutane. Please use the sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection and the SPF of at least 30. Best regards, Dr. Sapijaszko.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I suggest appropriate sun protection and taking the supplement heliocare.  I think you should see a dermatologist with experience in treating athletes.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Joshua L. Fox, MD · Answer

It is true that Accutane will make any person
sun sensitive even if they never burned easily before. I will have to suggest
that it may be a good idea to start Accutane after football season. Especially
since you practice 4 days out of the week in midday, when the sun is the
strongest. The last thing you will want at this time to get sunburn. Always
remember to apply sunblock cream 30 and above.

I am a cheerleader and I'm going on accutane soon and we are constantly in the sun. How can I protect my skin?

Answers (4)

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